Overwatch is live, Competitive Mode expected late June

Microtransactions confirmed.

Matt Maguire

Blizzard’s much, much-anticipated FPS Overwatch is now live on Windows PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Overwatch takes place on a near-future Earth, where teams of soldiers, scientists, adventurers, and oddities clash for control of key locations around the world, from serene castle grounds in Japan to mech-production facilities in the wintry heart of Russia.

The game features 21 heroes – including Tracer, the time-jumping adventurer; McCree, the outlaw gunslinger; and Winston, the brilliant gorilla scientist – each armed with signature weapons and awe-inspiring abilities.

They must team up and work together to complete critical objectives in a variety of unique play modes, including Assault, Escort, and Control.

In May, Blizzard announced that the game’s confusingly-named Competitive Mode (which has players rank up through divisions and tiers over month-long seasons) wouldn’t be available at launch and sure enough, it isn’t.

However, Blizzard confirmed during a Facebook Q&A today that it was aiming to release Competitive Mode towards the end of June.

Overwatch: Origins Edition will set you back NZ$105 / AU$90 on Windows PC or NZ$115 / AU$100 on PS4 and Xbox One. It comes with a collection of hero skins that provide players with insight into five characters’ pasts – Blackwatch Reyes (Reaper), Strike-Commander Morrison (Soldier: 76), Overgrown Bastion, Security Chief Pharah, and Slipstream Tracer – as well as a cache of goodies for several Blizzard Entertainment games.

There’s also a retail-only Collector’s Edition available for NZ$215 / AU$190 on PC and NZ$230 / AU$200 on consle which contains all of the content listed above along with a full-colour source book, the game’s soundtrack, and a high-quality collectible statue of Soldier: 76.

Windows PC gamers also have the option to download a digital PC edition for AU$70.

Despite its status as a full-price title, Overwatch contains microtransactions: collections of skins, sprays, and other cosmetic goodies can be purchased via Loot Boxes (that can also be earned for free through gameplay).

On PC, these are available in quantities of:

◆ two for AU$2.95◆ five for AU$7.35◆ 11 for AU$14.95◆ 24 for AU$29.95◆ 50 for AU$60

“We’re thrilled to welcome console and PC gamers everywhere to the future world of Overwatch,” said Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime.

“We’ve worked hard to create a team shooter that anyone can enjoy, with rewarding cooperative gameplay, fast-paced competitive action, and a diverse cast of awesome heroes that we’re proud to add to the Blizzard family. We think shooter veterans and anyone new to the genre will find that Overwatch is an absolute blast to play.”